Do you dream of starting your own business or nonprofit? Perhaps you want to go into politics and become a world ambassador. Maybe you want to be a doctor and save lives. Big dreams like these often need big funds to help them grow into a reality. And that’s where the Miss Washington Scholarship Organization comes in. By providing scholarship opportunities to ladies between the ages of 13 and 28, along with teaching them important life skills, the organization is helping these women achieve their life goals. Meet Miss Washington 2025 Amber Pike and Miss Washington’s Teen Kendall Runyan to learn just how true that is.
Miss Washington 2025 Amber Pike Balances Community Service While Working Toward Her Dreams
“Never give up!” says Miss Washington 2025 Amber Pike. This was her fourth attempt at the Miss Washington Competition. She has been competing in scholarship pageants for five years, having started at the Miss Spokane stage to share her love of the violin with others. But Amber found that the stage became more than just a platform. “It gave me purpose,” she says. “Through this opportunity, I have built lifelong friendships, earned scholarships that helped me achieve my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and matured into a more confident, capable and compassionate woman. My involvement with the Miss Washington Scholarship Organization is not just a hobby, it is a transformative journey that continues to shape who I am and how I serve.”
Amber, 24, has a Master of Business Administration from Gonzaga University and is planning on continuing her education to earn a PhD in marketing and become a professor. The monies she has been awarded from the Miss Washington Scholarship Organization competitions – $28,000 in total so far – will go towards these dreams.
But it’s not just about the money. Amber says the competitions have helped her immensely with confidence, life skills and boosting her community service projects that are dear to her heart. “Through the Miss America Opportunity, I have developed a wide range of professional skills that have significantly enhanced my personal and career readiness,” she adds. “I now feel confident walking into a job interview and poised when speaking in public. I am truly grateful for the communication and confidence-building experiences this organization has provided.”
To prepare for the upcoming Miss America competition, Amber attended a bootcamp with the board of directors in Westport. She spent time in mock interviews, discussing current events and interview preparation, skills she can transfer to the real world long after the crown has been retired.
Amber’s community service initiative, Asthma Awareness: Strong Lungs, Strong Life, is something that hits home for her, as an asthma sufferer herself. She delivers asthma care kits to elementary school students, fundraises for asthma resources and research, and lobbies on Capitol Hill in collaboration with the Allergy and Asthma Network. She will continue this work in Olympia for her year of service as Miss Washington. “I am excited to continue my partnership with the Allergy and Asthma Network,” Amber says. “September is Peak Asthma Month, and we have an upcoming digital campaign that aims to spread awareness internationally on asthma and allergies.”
Networking with the other young ladies is another important aspect of the competition and is Amber’s favorite part of the competitions. “This sisterhood is truly special, and I am so grateful to be a part of a group of women who continue to impact Washington and our nation!” she says. “One of my favorite memories from this year was attending the Miss Washington Alumnae Luncheon and hearing updates from Forever Miss Washingtons.”
Miss Washington’s Teen 2025 Kendall Runyan Raises Literacy One Book at a Time
Kendall Runyan, 17, grew up watching her sister – over 15 years her senior – compete in scholarship competitions. When she turned 7, it was finally her turn to hit the stage and she has loved every minute of it. “Competitions like the Miss America Opportunity go far beyond crowns and sashes,” she says. “They teach public speaking, confidence, and the ability to present yourself with poise in any situation. They challenge you to develop a strong mindset, think on your feet, and set goals. Most importantly, they empower young women to grow into leaders who use their voices to make an impact in their communities.”
And Kendall has definitely done that. She started a literacy project 10 years ago. Read to Achieve is all about getting books into the hands of children. In 2022, it became a registered nonprofit, a huge milestone for her and her community service project. “Literacy is so important to me because it’s been a core part of who I am for as long as I can remember,” she says. “Books truly helped shape my curiosity, creativity, and confidence, and I want every child to have the same chance to discover that world for themselves.”
Through her competitions, Kendall has been awarded over $240,000, which will go a long way to help her with her education goals. She plans on getting a marketing degree and wants to work in fashion or sports. “The scholarship dollars I have earned through the Miss America Opportunity allow me to pursue my dreams of pursuing higher education,” Kendall explains. “It opens the door for me to attend an out-of-state university, study marketing, and gain the experiences I need to work in fashion or sports. It also gives me the freedom I need to invest my energy into both my education and continuing my community service work without the stress of student debt!”
Kendall is working hard towards the Miss America’s Teen competition coming up at the beginning of September. Her days are full, as she focuses on refining her talent, practicing stage presence and building her own marketing plan. She meets with partners; schedules classroom visits; and stays active in her community. She balances her Miss Washington’s Teen duties with schoolwork, music programs at school, DECA and Key Club, cheerleading, and tutoring in guitar and voice. “Learning to balance everything has taken some discipline, but I’ve learned to love staying busy!” she says.
The Miss Washington Scholarship Organization helps young ladies take their dreams and grown them into something real. How big can you dream? Find out at the Miss Washington website and the Miss Washington’s Teen website.
Good luck ladies at the Miss America 2026 competitions!
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